Below is a Letter to the Editor that I am writing which I am taking to our local newspaper this morning:

The discussion of whether the United States should be handling the Iraq situation the way that we are, will no doubt continue as long as we have history. Like the rest of us, I have been watching the battle with rapt attention in the past days. We are aware of battles, conflicts, injuries, casualities. We see groups of people who cheer the war; and those who protest against it.

I have more than a casual interest in this war. My nephew, Kent, is serving with the Marines in the Kuwait/Iraq area. As I watch the anti-war groups in the U.S. and abroad, I am dismayed. I certainly understand their right. But I have a right, too. It concerns me that when soldiers like Kent return from the Persian Gulf area, that the protesters might be on hand to spit in Kent's and other soldiers' eyes; and I would watch the action on television and would be outraged.

So I made a decision early last week: if Kent could serve to perserve some of the ideals of freedom - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; I would do something positive to support our troops each day. It might be something little, but I would do it.

On Friday, I decided to I write a note to Kent and thank him for enlisting in the military and serving us in this way. How proud I am of what he and young people like him are doing on our behalf!

On Saturday, I started to think of all the others who have done the same things in the past, so I can walk with my friend and listen to airplanes overhead, knowing they aren't interested in shooting at us. We are thinking of going to the fields this spring; we worry about prices and the weather; not whether are families will be slaughtered by unruly leaders.

Later in the afternoon, Jim and I drove to see my mom and dad near Fertile. For the first time in my life, I thanked my aging dad for giving up about three years of his life fighting with his friends in World War II. Some of his time as part of the Battle of the Bulge military operation. The same guy who I saw cry once in the first 20 years of my life, was brought to tears.

On the way back home, I thanked Jim for enlisting in the Army and serving for three years, mostly in Panama. Doing that for me and for Americans everywhere.

Late Sunday evening, I made one more call to Ken'ts dad. I wanted to thank my brother-in-law, Keith, for serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. His service was in Germany. When I talked to him, he commented, "I never agreed to serve for a thank you. I served because it had to be done. I went because I love this country."

Since military service has always been apart of my life and background, the Welds have usually been people who attend Memorial Day services held annually at the school. But have I thanked people, individuals for their service?

The purpose of this writing is to do that: "Thanks to all of you - young and old; men and women; peace time and conflict time - for serving all of us as you have over a number of years. You do not deserve the protests; you deserve our praise and thanks!"